All-New Nissan Serena Previewed in Japan ahead of August Launch

Nissan has previewed the first images and details of the all-new Nissan Serena which is scheduled to go on sale in Japan at the end of August. This is the fifth-generation of the popular MPV since first introduced in 1991.

The commonplace MPV proportions are etched with fresh exterior features. The front fascia now features Nissan’s V-Motion grille to tie it in with the new corporate profile, while the two-tone body colour is claimed to highlight the dimensions of the exterior and interior.

On the inside, the dashboard adopts a “lateral flow” theme and features a thinner instrumental panel to give a more spacious feel and provide better all-round visibility. A thinner A-pillar design is also said to largely decrease blind spots. On the second row, built-in seatbelts further accentuate the cabin’s airiness for third-row passengers.

Equipment levels have also been updates, with features such as emergency braking system, Lane Departure Warning, Around View Monitor and Smart Rearview Mirror. And, making its debut is Nissan’s autonomous drive technology, ProPILOT, which can automatically control the accelerator, brakes and steering when driving on the highway, in both heavy and flowing traffic.

Exact details about the engine and transmission have yet to be released, but Nissan confirms the new car will continue to utilise the S-Hybrid direct-injected MR20DD inline-four of the current model. Nissan claim some tweaking has managed to deliver improvements in fuel economy.

Further reinforcement of the structure around the rear door, including improvements to the suspension system via adopting larger shock absorbers are said to improve the Nissan Serena’s lateral body control.

Arvind describes a car in the same way he would describe a woman; this is not very healthy. Unlike the eternal sunshine of a spotless mind, soulful naturally-aspirated soundtracks and trigger quick (self-applied) gearshifts are all that fill the darkest recesses of his mind. Arvind is still trying to understand women...